The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has ordered a nationwide acceleration of rice shipment clearances, a move aimed at bolstering national food security and protecting the government’s second-largest revenue stream.

In a memorandum issued on Wednesday, Feb. 18, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno directed all district collectors to verify and expedite the release of pending rice stocks to ensure the stability of the local market.

“To enhance trade facilitation and support the timely flow of essential goods critical to national food security, you are hereby directed to verify and expedite the clearance of any pending rice shipments in your respective collection districts,” Nepomuceno said.

Nepomuceno told Manila Bulletin on Thursday that the move supports the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) efforts to ensure the stability of the country’s rice supply, adding that he “just wanted to prevent any unnecessary delay.”

Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla also told Manila Bulletin that the effort is beneficial to the revenue of the country’s second-largest tax-collection agency, as rice accounts for a large share of its earnings.

“Rice is the staple food of the country, and its supply is critical to our food security,” Maronilla told Manila Bulletin, echoing Nepomuceno’s rationale behind the latest directive, adding that it was only a reminder to Customs port personnel “to release rice shipments without unnecessary delay.”

Both Nepomuceno and Maronilla said the commissioner’s latest order does not address a “serious” concern over goods mobility.

“Rice is one of our revenue drivers, so expediting its release should mean better revenue efficiency,” Maronilla said. The official did not provide a specific percentage for rice’s contribution to the BOC’s total haul.

As stated in the memorandum, the mandate should be carried out in strict compliance with all customs laws, procedures, and regulations.

Additionally, Nepomuceno directed all concerned district collectors to submit, within five days of receiving the new mandate, a comprehensive report detailing the inventory and status of all pending rice shipments.

It can be recalled that the BOC missed its ₱958.7 billion collection target in 2025, raising only ₱934.4 billion, citing weaker imports, the rice import ban, and global price volatility as major factors behind the shortfall.